The San Diego Padres' ongoing quest for a World Series (or at least a playoff title). "You know that many runners enter a race, but only one of them wins the prize. So run to win! Athletes work hard to win a crown that cannot last, but we do it for a crown that will last forever." 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

One Pitch

That’s all it took.

It was the fifth inning. Two batters on, two outs, Chad Gaudin on the mound and Hunter Pence at the plate.

The count was 3-2 when Gaudin threw that fateful pitch – the one that would define the game.

When Pence hit that pitch to right field, two runs came in, the only two runs of the entire game.

That’s the story. Unless I should mention Wandy Rodriguez, who threw eight innings of five hit ball with seven strikeouts. Chad Gaudin went seven innings allowing five hits on two runs with five strikeouts.

Each team got five hits total, definitely not much. Nick Hundley, who I’ll have more on later, had two hits. This game was dominated by pitching.

So, we lost our 17th game, but we’re still only 7.5 games behind first place.

Last night I was babysitting, so I had no idea what the final score was. But after I put the kids to bed, I turned on Channel 4 to see if I could get a final score. (Don’t worry, I had permission!) The first thing I saw was that it was the second inning! I knew that wasn’t possible, so I realized that this was the re-run they do after the postgame show. I got to watch a couple innings, which was really neat because I never get to SEE my boys play. All I saw of them was striking out, but it was still a lot of fun to see them.

One thing I realized as I was watching is how buff Nick Hundley is. I guess it should be expected, as he’s a catcher. I have a thing for catchers, and Nick really caught my eye last night. I’ve always heard about what a great arm he has, and I’ve believed it, but I’ve never really seen it. But man, he’s got huge guns! In fact, in between every pitch, he has to adjust his sleeves around those huge arms!

I couldn’t find a good enough picture that shows how strong he is. Oh well. But Nick is now a new favorite of mine. He’s a great player and a great person, and I think he’s going to be hanging around San Diego for a long time.

I think I’ve mentioned a few times that I’m going to be going to a Padres game with my brother’s baseball team. Well, that game is a week from tomorrow against the Reds! I’m getting REALLY excited already. I’ll probably start “packing” on Monday (I bring a lot of stuff to games)! It’s going to be so much fun, and I can’t wait!

According to my calculations, we might have a Peavy-Arroyo matchup. Probably not Arroyo, though. It will more likely be Peavy-Owings. The Padres’ rotation might go through some changes this week, as Cha Seung Baek is about ready to come back, plus we need to do some bullpen shuffling. But if all goes as planned, it would be a lot of fun to have some Sunday afternoon baseball, Jake Peavy, a 5 for $5 deal, and a great Padres game. Plus, we’re going to be sitting field level!

It’s not infield field level, but down there nonetheless. I am so excited!! It’s going to be a lot of fun, but we’re probably going to be in direct sunlight for the whole game. Suncreen is essential!

Yesterday we went to a local thrift store. I absolutely love thrift stores! You can get some of the coolest baseball stuff there really cheap. I was really pysched to find this Padres Fan Bag, one that they gave out last year:

It’s going to be so perfect for my ventures to Petco Park, and I can’t wait to use it! Yay for thrift stores!

I also got a great Padres floppy hat, which will be perfect for keeping the sun off my easily-burning face!

Two weeks ago, the Padres gave out replica jerseys of our inagural season of 1969. A friend was at the game and actually gave me one of the jerseys! I’ve been meaning to blog about it, but it never fit until now.

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7 Comments

Kaybee- Yes thrift stores rock! I agree completely with you there. Put together a list of some shots and maybe a few “must have” players pictures and I’ll try and hook you up with some the next time I get to a Rox-Pads game. Anything for Kaybee!
Tomhttp://rockymountainway.mlblogs.com

Last night’s game was another tough one. Kevin Correia needs to give his best shot today. Nick Hundley is definitely staying in San Diego for awhile. Neat jersey and bag! Have fun at the game too! Best thing is that Jake is pitching according to your calculations. I’m not going to Petco until July, when Rockies come to town. That’s a looong time. I planned ahead to give you a free ticket🙂 It’s not official yet. My parents just have to say yes. I saved up about $90 so that would give me two field box tickets. One for me and one for you.http://hyunyoung.mlblogs.com

I’m quickly becoming a Nick Hundley fan. Then again, it’s not hard for him to do since I, too, have a thing for catchers (in case that hasn’t been blatantly obvious hahaha). Thrift stores are amazing, I have to agree. Especially when you’re a broke college student! Hahaha! Have fun at the game, and seriously enjoy that 5 for $5 deal. Whoever thought that up is my hero. Despite the fact that I don’t like peanuts, it’s still an amazing deal.
Jenhttp://ajroxmywhitesox.mlblogs.com

Hey Kaybee! Thanks for the nice comment.🙂 I agree, it’s nice to be able to read from the perspective of another female fan, especially a Christian!! Yeah, this division should be really interesting to watch this season! And wow, I read your “About Kaybee” thing, AND THAT’S TOTALLY ME TOO! *high five* (Well, except for the Padres part…)Have fun at the game! You’ll probably get to see a good one if Peavy’s pitching. You’re so lucky you get to sit on the field level!This seems like a really great blog you have here. Now that I’ve discovered it, I look forward to reading more of your posts!🙂 I think you would make a great sports writer. Good luck with that too!!Laurenhttp://sfgiantsgirl.mlblogs.com

Hi Kaybee
Thanks for the advice on Thrift Stores. I will check it out. I am always in need of more Dodger stuff, as though I didn’t already have enough. I realized that about 95% of my wardrobe is Dodger wear. I will keep my eye out for Padres stuff for you.http://catlovesthedodgers.mlblogs.com

Do not give up on Gaudin.
I have known the guy for a few years when he was with the Rays. As soon as he feels like he belongs, his pitching come around and he pitches lights out.
But I can tell you this, he has one of the sweetest 12-6 curve balls I have ever seen.
Thrift stores can be amazing too for long lost shirts and items from the older style of wear, and sometimes you can find the odd MLB team polo or a great event polo like the All-Star game.
How ever you support your team, that is a positive.
But the best way is to still get to the ballpark during the year and really take it all in……………have fun on Sunday.

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